Brandon Roy's return to the NBA would cost the Trail Blazers 17 million

Former Trail Blazer all-star Brandon Roy has already announced that he's going to sign a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, whom he chose over at least four other teams negotiating for his services after the Trail Blazers used the amnesty clause on him last season.

Roy still hasn't signed and right now, there is a question about Minnesota's cap room to sign him.

But if it turns out that Roy plays again in the NBA -- for anybody -- it's going to be very costly for his former team, which still must pay Roy his full previous contract. Without benefit of even partial insurance.

When the Trail Blazers gave Roy his max deal, they were apparently able to insure only a fraction of it because of the condition of his knees. But, sources say, they were able to get a limited amount of permanent disability insurance on him that would cover 17 million of the amount owed the player.

As long as he was "permanently" disabled.

If and when Roy plays again, Portland apparently will not be able to collect that 17 million, none of which has been paid to date.

Yes, Paul Allen is a billionaire. But I would guess even Allen would not be happy about losing 17 million.